‘Missing’ child expected back home this week

Melania Morgan, the four-year-old who was reported missing on June 27, is to be reunited with her mother early this week, according to the police.

Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, Aaron Fletcher, commanding officer for the St Andrew North Police Division, said the youngster was with her father during the time when she was listed as a missing person. He said the child has been caught in the middle of a custody issue between her parents.

"What I know is that communication has been had with the father, who indicated that he will return the child to her mother sometime today (yesterday) to tomorrow (today). After investigation, it was revealed that the child wasn't really missing, and [it is] really a tussle between mom and dad where that child is concerned," he said.

Previous reports are that Melania was last seen at school at 2 p.m. wearing her blue school uniform and a pair of black shoes. Fletcher said he and members of his team are working along with the parents to have matter resolved in the best interest of the child.

"The father, to my knowledge, is contending that sometime this year, the mother did the same thing and went away with the child, when the child should have been with him. So now he is saying that this is justification. As best as possible, we are engaging the intervention mode and trying to have the matter resolved," the senior cop said.